Through The Outlaw Ocean, I have discovered a universe that I had never paid attention to before. Several moments in the book disturb me, but one in particular stands out — the crime scene in “Armed and Dangerous.” Without the video that captured the crime, the case would have remained silent, making you wonder how many crimes take place without anyone knowing. Although there seems to be a sense of omertà when it comes to slavery, human trafficking, illegal drilling, illegal fisihing and murders in international waters, Ian Urbina’s work breaks the silence and sheds light on what is happening.

In the track “Oyang,” I want to reflect the injustices that the woman and her family face with the sinking of the vessel operated by the Sajo Oyang Corporation. I use Zhonghu, a Chinese instrument, to evoke a melancholy feeling. Additionally, I take a dub approach to reflect the desperation of people trapped in modern day slavery. “SSS Pursuit” is a faster-paced song that illustrates the pursuit of a ship in the chapter “The Somali 7.” I synchronize the beginning of the track with the Morse Code and throughout, try to create suspense to keep listeners on tenterhooks. I hope my songs will create awareness and help the book gain the exposure it deserves.